Very solid during the last match against the Carabins in Montreal in front of a hostile crowd, can the offensive line of the Rouge et Or of Laval University offer such a good performance in a welcoming environment, while a ticket for the square is Canada at stake?
In a 32-31 overtime defeat, the big men of the Rouge et Or offered excellent protection to Arnaud Desjardins, who threw for 333 yards and three touchdowns, signing his best performance at CEPSUM and one of his best in career.
Photo STEVENS LEBLANC
“We can offer an even better performance,” said blocker Maxime-Olivier Cabana. We have confidence in our means and we are more than ready. We have been building our foundation since the start of the season and it is solid. We did everything we could to be ready. We have film for four more weeks than our last game against Montreal.
“We are in a good place,” added the law student, “but there is still room for improvement. We want to perform at our best in the last game of the year and we don’t want the Dunsmore Cup to be the last.”
Left tackle Jean-Antoine Dean-Rios sums up the importance of the Dunsmore Cup very well. “We train all year for this match. All efforts are made based on this meeting.”
If the aerial attack worked well, the ground game was more timid in Montreal. “We want to set the tone by running the ball,” Cabana said. Running is part of the offensive line’s identity this year.”
A very good customer
Both blockers will have a solid customer in front of them. Elected to the all-star team, defensive end Jeremiah Ojo is the best at his position in the RSEQ. “He’s a very good player who is fast and strong, but I’m also fast and strong,” said blocker Jean-Antoine Dean-Rios. I am confident and excited about this duel.”
If Ojo represents a threat, the Carabins will likely be without star tackle Christopher Montas Fontenard, who was injured on October 12 during the Rouge et Or’s visit to Montreal.
“It doesn’t change much, because we focus on our things and not on the opponent,” Cabana said. It will be up to the Carabins to adapt to our speed.”
Maxime Francon is hitting in relief of the defensive player par excellence on the Quebec scene in 2023 since the last game of the season at Concordia and in the semi-final against McGill.
Last match at home
Regardless of the outcome of the match, Dean-Rios will play his last career match at PEPS. “I had the honor of carrying the Laval University flag when we entered the field in the semi-final,” he said. I was very emotional. There are plenty of memories that will come up during the warm-up period. But I will be able to concentrate when the match starts.”
Dean-Rios believes that this experience acquired over the years will come in handy on Saturday. “It’s an advantage for stress management,” he explained. It doesn’t matter if you’re ahead or behind in scoring, you have to give it your all from start to finish. The experience also allows me to play my game, instead of thinking.”
